Nyssorhynchus darlingi genome-wide studies related to microgeographic dispersion and blood-seeking behavior.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, malaria is concentrated in the Amazon Basin, where more than 99% of the annual cases are reported. The main goal of this study was to investigate the population structure and genetic association of the biting behavior of Nyssorhynchus (also known as Anopheles) darlingi, the major malaria vector in the Amazon region of Brazil, using low-coverage genomic sequencing data. METHODS: Samples were collected in the municipality of Mâncio Lima, Acre state, Brazil between 2016 and 2017. Different approaches using genotype imputation and no gene imputation for data treatment and low-coverage sequencing genotyping were performed. After the samples were genotyped, population stratification analysis was performed. RESULTS: Weak but statistically significant stratification signatures were identified between subpopulations separated by distances of approximately 2-3 km. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed to compare indoor/outdoor biting behavior and blood-seeking at dusk/dawn. A statistically significant association was observed between biting behavior and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers adjacent to the gene associated with cytochrome P450 (CYP) 4H14, which is associated with insecticide resistance. A statistically significant association between blood-seeking periodicity and SNP markers adjacent to genes associated with the circadian cycle was also observed. CONCLUSION: The data presented here suggest that low-coverage whole-genome sequencing with adequate processing is a powerful tool to genetically characterize vector populations at a microgeographic scale in malaria transmission areas, as well as for use in GWAS. Female mosquitoes entering houses to take a blood meal may be related to a specific CYP4H14 allele, and female timing of blood-seeking is related to circadian rhythm genes.

Isolation of 27 polymorphic nuclear microsatellite markers for Roupala montana var. brasiliensis (Proteaceae).

Microsatellite primers pairs were developed for the Neotropical tree Roupala montana var. brasiliensis for use in studies on genetic diversity, mating system, and gene flow. Forty-two primer pairs were developed, resulting in 27 polymorphic loci, with two to 27 alleles per locus. The primer pairs were validated against 34 R. montana var. brasiliensis adult trees from four populations. The observed (H o) and expected (H e)heterozygosities ranged among loci from 0.061 to 0.930 (mean of 0.544) and from 0.116 to 0.950 (mean of 0.700), respectively. Null alleles were observed for ten loci. No genotypic linkage disequilibrium was detected in any pair of loci. This set of loci is suitable for population genetic studies of the species.

Maintaining genetic integrity with high promiscuity: Frequent hybridization with low introgression in multiple hybrid zones of Melocactus (Cactaceae).

Hybridization and introgression between species in contact/hybrid zones provide important insight into the genetic and ecological mechanisms of speciation. Cactaceae represents the most important radiation of true succulent angiosperms in the New World. This diversification continues to date, with species experiencing few intrinsic barriers to gene flow and the frequent occurrence of natural hybridization. Here, we used RAD-Seq single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data to investigate the genetic architecture of hybridization in four hybrid zones hosting Melocactus concinnus and four congeneric species (M. ernestii, M. glaucescens, M. paucispinus, and M. zehntneri). Our results revealed that M. concinnus is highly promiscuous in sympatric areas and hybridizes with various species distributed in Morro do Chapéu (Diamantina Plateau, Bahia), eastern Brazil. However, the contemporary genomic introgression among the investigated species is very low (c. 2-5%), confirming that even in the face of hybridization, Melocactus species maintain their genetic integrity. The genomic cline approach showed a large fraction of loci deviating from a model of neutral introgression, where most of the loci are consistent with selection favoring parental genotypes. Our results suggest the occurrence of weak premating but strong postmating reproductive isolation in the analyzed cactus species. Furthermore, as most of the Melocactus species are restricted in distribution, hybridization might negatively affect their integrity if hybrids replace the parental species.

Inadequate Dietary Phosphorus Levels Cause Skeletal Anomalies and Alter Osteocalcin Gene Expression in Zebrafish.

Phosphorus (P) is an essential mineral for the development and maintenance of the vertebrate skeletal system. Modulation of P levels is believed to influence metabolism and the physiological responses of gene expression. In this study, we investigated the influence of dietary P on skeletal deformities and osteocalcin gene expression in zebrafish (Danio rerio), and sought to determine appropriate levels in a diet. We analyzed a total of 450 zebrafish within 31 days of hatching. Animals were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design that consisted of five replications. After an eight-week experiment, fish were diaphanized to evaluate cranial and spinal bone deformities. Increases in dietary phosphorus were inversely proportional to the occurrence of partial spine fusions, the absence of spine fusions, absence of parallelism between spines, intervertebral spacing, vertebral compression, scoliosis, lordosis, ankylosis, fin caudal insertion, and craniofacial deformities. Additionally, osteocalcin expression was inversely correlated to P levels, suggesting a physiological recovery response for bone mineralization deficiency. Our data showed that dietary P concentration was a critical factor in the occurrence of zebrafish skeletal abnormalities. We concluded that 1.55% P in the diet significantly reduces the appearance of skeletal deformities and favors adequate bone mineralization through the adjustment of osteocalcin expression.

Expressed var gene repertoire and variant surface antigen diversity in a shrinking Plasmodium falciparum population.

The var gene-encoded erythrocyte membrane protein-1 of Plasmodium falciparum (PfEMP-1) is the main variant surface antigen (VSA) expressed on infected erythrocytes. The rate at which antibody responses to VSA expressed by circulating parasites are acquired depends on the size of the local VSA repertoire and the frequency of exposure to new VSA. Because parasites from areas with declining malaria endemicity, such as the Amazon, typically express a restricted PfEMP-1 repertoire, we hypothesized that Amazonians would rapidly acquire antibodies to most locally circulating VSA. Consistent with our expectations, the analysis of 5878 sequence tags expressed by 10 local P. falciparum samples revealed little PfEMP-1 DBL1α domain diversity. Among the most commonly expressed DBL1α types, 45% were shared by two or more independent parasite lines. Nevertheless, Amazonians displayed major gaps in their repertoire of anti-VSA antibodies, although the breadth of anti-VSA antibody responses correlated positively with their cumulative exposure to malaria. We found little antibody cross-reactivity even when testing VSA from related parasites expressing the same dominant DBL1α types. We conclude that variant-specific immunity to P. falciparum VSAs develops slowly despite the relatively restricted PfEMP-1 repertoire found in low-endemicity settings.

Seasonal genetic partitioning in the neotropical malaria vector, Anopheles darlingi.

BACKGROUND: Anopheles darlingi is the main malaria mosquito vector in the Amazonia region. In spite of being considered a riverine, forest-dwelling species, this mosquito is becoming more abundant in peri-urban areas, increasing malaria risk. This has been associated with human-driven environmental changes such as deforestation. METHODS: Microsatellites were used to characterize A. darlingi from seven localities along the Madeira River, Rondônia (Brazil), collected in the early and late periods of the rainy season. RESULTS: Two genetically distinct subpopulations were detected: one (subpopulation A) was associated with the late rainfall period and seems to be ecologically closer to the typical forest A. darlingi; the other (subpopulation B) was associated with the early rainfall period and is probably more adapted to drier conditions by exploiting permanent anthropogenic breeding sites. Results suggest also a pattern of asymmetric introgression, with more subpopulation A alleles introgressed into subpopulation B. Both subpopulations (and admixed mosquitoes) presented similar malaria infection rates, highlighting the potential for perennial malaria transmission in the region. CONCLUSIONS: The co-occurrence of two genetically distinct subpopulations of A. darlingi adapted to different periods of rainfall may promote a more perennial transmission of malaria throughout the year. These findings, in a context of strong environmental impact due to deforestation and dam construction, have serious implications for malaria epidemiology and control in the Amazonian region.

Silicon nutrition alleviates the negative impacts of arsenic on the photosynthetic apparatus of rice leaves: an analysis of the key limitations of photosynthesis.

Silicon (Si) plays important roles in alleviating various abiotic stresses. In rice (Oryza sativa), arsenic (As) is believed to share the Si transport pathway for entry into roots, and Si has been demonstrated to decrease As concentrations. However, the physiological mechanisms through which Si might alleviate As toxicity in plants remain poorly elucidated. We combined detailed gas exchange measurements with chlorophyll fluorescence analysis to examine the effects of Si nutrition on photosynthetic performance in rice plants [a wild-type (WT) cultivar and its lsi1 mutant defective in Si uptake] challenged with As (arsenite). As treatment impaired carbon fixation (particularly in the WT genotype) that was unrelated to photochemical or biochemical limitations but, rather, was largely associated with decreased leaf conductance at the stomata and mesophyll levels. Indeed, regardless of the genotypes, in the plants challenged with As, photosynthetic rates correlated strongly with both stomatal (r(2) = 0.90) and mesophyll (r(2) = 0.95) conductances, and these conductances were, in turn, linearly correlated with each other. The As-related impairments to carbon fixation could be considerably reverted by Si in a time- and genotype-dependent manner. In conclusion, we identified Si nutrition as an important target in an attempt to not only decrease As concentrations but also to ameliorate the photosynthetic performance of rice plants challenged with As.

Evidência documental X evidência biológica para estimativa da idade? Relato de caso pericial / Documental vs. biological evidence for age estimation? Forensic case report

Objetivo: a estimativa da idade em indivíduos vivos, com finalidade legal, reveste-se de complexidade e necessita de uma abordagem multidisciplinar para determinar um intervalo de tempo confiável para a idade cronológica do periciando. Objetivou-se relatar um caso de estimativa de idade no vivo em um indivíduo que alegou ter menos de 18 anos (idade de maior idade legal), a despeito de documentos oficiais apontarem o contrário. Relato de caso: indivíduo do sexo masculino, detido por prática criminosa executada em 21/01/2010 foi encaminhado para perícia odonto legal para exame de estimativa de idade. Durante aidentificação do indiciado, apresentou certidão que exibia data de nascimento de 05/04/1991, tendo 18 anos e 10 meses quando cometeu o crime. Porém, alegou ser menor de idade, tendo nascido em 12/07/1992, possuindo, então, a idade de 17 anos e 6meses na data do delito. A alegação de menoridade sustentava--se no fato de seu registro teria sido incorreto, com erro na data de nascimento. Realizados exames intraoral e radiográfico panorâmico constatou-se maioria de dentes hígidos e presentes. À análise do desenvolvimento dentário por quatro metodologias diferentes ao exame radiográfico carpal por outras seis metodologias,constatou-se que os caracteres de desenvolvimento ematuração óssea eram incompatíveis com indivíduo maior de18 anos. Baseado na análise pericial, a sentença judicial determinou a imputabilidade legal baseado na legislação aplicável a menores de idade, a despeito de documentos oficiais apontarem o contrário, destacando a importância do exame pericial para estimativa de idade no vivo, com finalidade de determinação de imputabilidade legal.

Objective: age estimation of live individuals with legal purposes is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach to determine a reliable time interval for the examined person. Objective was to report a case of age estimation in live individual who claimed to be younger than 18 years (age of legal majority), in spite of official documents state otherwise. Case report: a male, arrested for criminal practice perpetrated on 01/21/2010 was sent for forensic examination to forensic dental age estimation. During the identification of the suspect, it was presented a birth certificate dating of 04/05/1991, wich therefore indicated age of 18 years and 10 months when crime was commited. However, suspect claimed to be a minor, having been born on 07/12/1992, therefore being 17 years and 6 months old at the time of the offense. The claim of minority based in the fact that his record would have been done incorrectly, with a mistake on the date of birth. Intraoral and orthopantomographic radiological exams showed up most of teeth present and sound. Analysis of dental development by four different methodologies and radiographic examinationcarpal bones by six other methodologies, pointed out that developmentaland maturation features were incompatible with an individual older than 18 years. Based on forensic analysis, the court of law determined legal liability of the suspect based upon legislation applicable to minors, despite official documents that suggested otherwise, highlighting the importanceof expert examination to estimate age in live individuals, when determining legal liability of suspects.

Genetic structure of Lutzomyia longipalpis populations in Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil, based on microsatellite markers.

BACKGROUND: Lutzomyialongipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) is the major vector of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum and thus plays a crucial role in the epidemiology of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL). This vector is the best studied species of sand fly in the Neotropical region. Many studies claim that this vector is in fact a species complex; however there is still no consensus regarding the number of species that belong into this complex or the geographical distribution of sibling species. The aim of the present study was to analyze the genetic relationships within Lu. longipalpis populations in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Brazil. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We collected 30 Lu. longipalpis (15 females and 15 males) from five localities (Campo Grande, Três Lagoas, Aquidauana, Miranda and Bonito) and 30 Lu. Cruzi from Corumbá, totaling 180 sandflies from MS, and 30 Lu. longipalpis from Estrela de Alagoas, state of Alagoas (AL), Northeast Brazil. We show that eight previously described microsatellite loci were sufficient in distinguishing Lu. longipalpis from Lu. Cruzi, which is a closely related species, and in differentiating between Lu. longipalpis collected in MS versus Estrela de Alagoas. Analyses of the genotypes revealed introgression between sympatric Lu. longipalpis and Lu. Cruzi. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings support the hypothesis of cryptic species within the Lu. longipalpis complex. Furthermore, our data revealed introgression between Lu. longipalpis and Lu. cruzi. This phenomenon should be further investigated to determine the level and incidence of hybridization between these two species. We also demonstrated that microsatellite markers are a powerful tool for differentiating sand fly populations and species. The present study has elucidated the population structure of Lu. longipalpis in MS and, by extension, the Neotropical Lu. longipalpis complex itself.

Microsatellite marker-based assessment of the biodiversity of native bioethanol yeast strains.

Although many Brazilian sugar mills initiate the fermentation process by inoculating selected commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, the unsterile conditions of the industrial sugar cane ethanol fermentation process permit the constant entry of native yeast strains. Certain of those native strains are better adapted and tend to predominate over the initial strain, which may cause problems during fermentation. In the industrial fermentation process, yeast cells are often exposed to stressful environmental conditions, including prolonged cell recycling, ethanol toxicity and osmotic, oxidative or temperature stress. Little is known about these S. cerevisiae strains, although recent studies have demonstrated that heterogeneous genome architecture is exhibited by some selected well-adapted Brazilian indigenous yeast strains that display high performance in bioethanol fermentation. In this study, 11 microsatellite markers were used to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of the native autochthonous S. cerevisiae strains in various Brazilian sugar mills. The resulting multilocus data were used to build a similarity-based phenetic tree and to perform a Bayesian population structure analysis. The tree revealed the presence of great genetic diversity among the strains, which were arranged according to the place of origin and the collection year. The population structure analysis revealed genotypic differences among populations; in certain populations, these genotypic differences are combined to yield notably genotypically diverse individuals. The high yeast diversity observed among native S. cerevisiae strains provides new insights on the use of autochthonous high-fitness strains with industrial characteristics as starter cultures at bioethanol plants.

Physiological and biochemical abilities of robusta coffee leaves for acclimation to cope with temporal changes in light availability.

The effects of varying intensities of light on plants depend on when they occur, even if the total amount of light received is kept constant. We designed an experiment using two clones of robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) intercropped with shelter trees in such a way that allowed us to compare coffee bushes shaded in the morning (SM) with those shaded in the afternoon (SA), and then confronting both with bushes receiving full sunlight over the course of the day (FS). The SM bushes displayed better gas-exchange performance than their SA and FS counterparts, in which the capacity for CO2 fixation was mainly constrained by stomatal (SA bushes) and biochemical (FS bushes) factors. Physiological traits associated with light capture were more responsive to temporal fluctuations of light rather than to the amount of light received, although this behavior could be a clone-specific response. The activity of key antioxidant enzymes differed minimally when comparing the SM and SA clones, but was much larger in FS clones. No signs of photoinhibition or cell damage were found regardless of the light treatments. Acclimations to varying light supplies had no apparent additional cost for constructing and maintaining the leaves regardless of the light supply. Both the SM and SA individuals displayed higher return in terms of revenue streams (e.g. higher mass-based light-saturated photosynthetic rates, photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiencies and long-term water use efficiencies) than their FS counterparts. In conclusion, shading may improve the physiological performance of coffee bushes growing in harsh, tropical environments.

Progresso temporal da ferrugem alaranjada em cultivares de cafeeiro no oeste de São Paulo / Temporal progress of orange rust in coffee cultivars in western Sao Paulo

A ferrugem é a doença mais comum das lavouras de café. O trabalho estudou nos cultivares de Coffea arabica L. Acaiá IAC 474-19, Catuaí Amarelo IAC 47, Icatu Amarelo IAC 2944, Icatu Vermelho IAC 4045, Obatã IAC 1669-20 e Apoatã IAC 2258 (Coffea canephora Pierre ex Fhroen) a incidência da ferrugem. O ensaio foi realizado em Adamantina, SP, onde os cafeeiros foram plantados no espaçamento de 4,0 x 2,0 m, com duas plantas por cova e dispostos em 6 linhas com 15 a 20 covas cada. No período entre junho de 2008 a dezembro de 2009, quinzenalmente, coletou-se ao acaso 30 folhas obtidas nos terços superior, médio e inferior dos cafeeiros e calculou-se a porcentagem das folhas com sintomas característicos da ferrugem. Calculou-se a área abaixo da curva de progresso da ferrugem para cada um dos cultivares. Constatou-se a doença na Icatu Amarelo IAC 2944 e Icatu Vermelho IAC 4045, cultivares descritos como resistentes/tolerantes à ferrugem. Concluiuse que a incidência diferiu entre os cultivares e diminuiu com o aumento da temperatura, mas não com a precipitação pluvial. A incidência da doença menor que 5% nos cafeeiros ocorreu com temperaturas máximas médias mensais maiores que 30º C (AU)

Rust is the most common disease in the coffee plantations. This work aimed to evaluate the incidence of coffee rust in the following cultivars of Coffea arabica L.: Acaiá IAC 474-19, Catuaí Amarelo IAC 47, Icatu Amarelo IAC 2944, Icatu Vermelho IAC 4045, Obatã IAC 1669-20 and Apoatã IAC 2258 (Coffea canephora Pierre ex Fhroen). The experiment was conducted in Adamantina, northwest region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The coffee trees were planted at a spacing of 4.0 x 2.0 m with two plants per hole. Each plot consisted of six lines with 15 to 20 holes each. From June 2008 to December 2009, 30 leaves were randomly collected from the upper, middle and bottom portions of the trees. The leaf rust was found in all cultivars, including on Catuai Amarelo IAC 2944 and Vermelho IAC 4045, although both cultivars are considered resistant to the disease in field conditions. The infections differed significantly among cultivars. The rust symptoms declined with increasing temperature, and the rainfall did not affect the incidence of disease. The less-than-5% infection rate coincided with the occurrence of maximum monthly mean temperatures greater than 30º C. (AU)

Progresso temporal da ferrugem alaranjada em cultivares de cafeeiro no oeste de São Paulo / Temporal progress of orange rust in coffee cultivars in western Sao Paulo

A ferrugem é a doença mais comum das lavouras de café. O trabalho estudou nos cultivares de Coffea arabica L. Acaiá IAC 474-19, Catuaí Amarelo IAC 47, Icatu Amarelo IAC 2944, Icatu Vermelho IAC 4045, Obatã IAC 1669-20 e Apoatã IAC 2258 (Coffea canephora Pierre ex Fhroen) a incidência da ferrugem. O ensaio foi realizado em Adamantina, SP, onde os cafeeiros foram plantados no espaçamento de 4,0 x 2,0 m, com duas plantas por cova e dispostos em 6 linhas com 15 a 20 covas cada. No período entre junho de 2008 a dezembro de 2009, quinzenalmente, coletou-se ao acaso 30 folhas obtidas nos terços superior, médio e inferior dos cafeeiros e calculou-se a porcentagem das folhas com sintomas característicos da ferrugem. Calculou-se a área abaixo da curva de progresso da ferrugem para cada um dos cultivares. Constatou-se a doença na Icatu Amarelo IAC 2944 e Icatu Vermelho IAC 4045, cultivares descritos como resistentes/tolerantes à ferrugem. Concluiuse que a incidência diferiu entre os cultivares e diminuiu com o aumento da temperatura, mas não com a precipitação pluvial. A incidência da doença menor que 5% nos cafeeiros ocorreu com temperaturas máximas médias mensais maiores que 30º C

Rust is the most common disease in the coffee plantations. This work aimed to evaluate the incidence of coffee rust in the following cultivars of Coffea arabica L.: Acaiá IAC 474-19, Catuaí Amarelo IAC 47, Icatu Amarelo IAC 2944, Icatu Vermelho IAC 4045, Obatã IAC 1669-20 and Apoatã IAC 2258 (Coffea canephora Pierre ex Fhroen). The experiment was conducted in Adamantina, northwest region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The coffee trees were planted at a spacing of 4.0 x 2.0 m with two plants per hole. Each plot consisted of six lines with 15 to 20 holes each. From June 2008 to December 2009, 30 leaves were randomly collected from the upper, middle and bottom portions of the trees. The leaf rust was found in all cultivars, including on Catuai Amarelo IAC 2944 and Vermelho IAC 4045, although both cultivars are considered resistant to the disease in field conditions. The infections differed significantly among cultivars. The rust symptoms declined with increasing temperature, and the rainfall did not affect the incidence of disease. The less-than-5% infection rate coincided with the occurrence of maximum monthly mean temperatures greater than 30º C.

Leishmania chagasi in opossums (Didelphis albiventris) in an urban area endemic for visceral leishmaniasis, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

We investigated the occurrence of Leishmania infantum chagasi in Didelphis albiventris opossums at a wild animal rehabilitation center in the city of Campo Grande, Brazil. A total of 54 opossums were tested for L. i. chagasi infection in peripheral blood and bone marrow samples. The samples were analyzed by direct examination, culturing in a specific medium, and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Leishmania i. chagasi DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 11 (20.37%) animals. A total of 81.81% of positive opossums were captured in areas of known visceral leishmaniasis transmission. These results suggest a role for D. albiventris in the urban transmission of visceral leishmaniasis.

Avaliação da qualidade do sono em adolescentes com disfunções temporomandibulares / Assessment of sleep quality in adolescents with temporomandibular disorders

OBJETIVOS: Determinar a frequência de disfunções temporomandibulares e investigar sua relação com qualidade do sono em adolescentes de 18 e 19 anos. MÉTODOS: Delineamento transversal; diagnóstico das disfunções pelos Critérios de Diagnóstico para Pesquisa das Disfunções Temporomandibulares e avaliação do sono pelo Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh em 200 estudantes. Os dados foram analisados pela distribuição de frequência, testes qui-quadrado e t de Student. RESULTADOS: 35,5% dos adolescentes apresentaram disfunções. A média do escore total dos adolescentes com disfunções foi 7,34 e a dos adolescentes sem disfunções foi 4,76 (p < 0,001). Dos participantes sem disfunções, 82% apresentaram boa qualidade do sono. Entre aqueles com disfunções, esse percentual foi de 17%. CONCLUSÕES: A frequência de disfunções foi elevada e associada à má qualidade do sono. O delineamento do estudo não permitiu concluir se a má qualidade do sono é causa ou consequência das disfunções, o que poderá ser esclarecido em pesquisas futuras.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of temporomandibular disorders and investigate their relationship with sleep quality in 18 and 19-year-old adolescents. METHODS: Cross-sectional design; dysfunctions were diagnosed using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and sleep was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index in 200 students. Data were analyzed by frequency distribution and using the chi-square test and Student's t test. RESULTS: 35.5% dos adolescents had dysfunctions. The mean total score of adolescents with dysfunctions was 7.34 and 4.76 for adolescents without dysfunctions (p < 0.001). 82% of the participants were free from dysfunctions. 17% of those with dysfunctions had good sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of dysfunctions was elevated and dysfunctions were associated with poor sleep quality. The study design does not allow it to be determined whether poor sleep quality is a cause or a consequence of TMDs, which can be elucidated in future studies.

Assessment of sleep quality in adolescents with temporomandibular disorders.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and investigate their relationship with sleep quality in 18 and 19-year-old adolescents. METHODS: Cross-sectional design; dysfunctions were diagnosed using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and sleep was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index in 200 students. Data were analyzed by frequency distribution and using the chi-square test and Student's t test. RESULTS: 35.5% of the adolescents had dysfunctions. The mean total score of adolescents with dysfunctions was 7.34 and 4.76 for adolescents without dysfunctions (p < 0.001). 82% of the participants were free from dysfunctions. 17% of those with dysfunctions had good sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of dysfunctions was elevated and dysfunctions were associated with poor sleep quality. The study design does not allow it to be determined whether poor sleep quality is a cause or a consequence of TMDs, which can be elucidated in future studies.

Knockdown resistance in pyrethroid-resistant horn fy (Diptera: Muscidae) populations in Brazil.

To investigate the kdr (knockdown resistance) resistance-associated gene mutation and determine its frequency in pyrethroid-resistant horn fy (Haematobia irritans) populations, a total of 1,804 horn flies of 37 different populations from all Brazilian regions (North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast, and South) were molecular screened through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The kdr gene was not detected in 87.08% of the flies. However, the gene was amplified in 12.92% of the flies, of which 11.70% were resistant heterozygous and 1.22% were resistant homozygous. Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was found only in 1 ranch with an excess of heterozygous. When populations were grouped by region, three metapopulations showed significant deviations of HWE (Central-West population, South population and Southeast population). Tis indicates that populations are isolated one from another and kdr occurrence seems to be an independent effect probably reflecting the insecticide strategy used by each ranch. Although resistance to pyrethroids is disseminated throughout Brazil, only 48% of resistant populations had kdr flies, and the frequency of kdr individuals in each of these resistant populations was quite low. But this study shows that, with the apparent exception of the Northeast region, the kdr mechanism associated with pyrethroid resistance occurs all over Brazil.

Knockdown resistance in pyrethroid-resistant horn fly (Diptera: Muscidae) populations in Brazil / Resistência Knockdown em populações de mosca-dos-chifres do Brasil resistentes aos piretróides

To investigate the kdr (knockdown resistance) resistance-associated gene mutation and determine its frequency in pyrethroid-resistant horn fly (Haematobia irritans) populations, a total of 1,804 horn flies of 37 different populations from all Brazilian regions (North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast, and South) were molecular screened through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The kdr gene was not detected in 87.08 percent of the flies. However, the gene was amplified in 12.92 percent of the flies, of which 11.70 percent were resistant heterozygous and 1.22 percent were resistant homozygous. Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was found only in 1 ranch with an excess of heterozygous. When populations were grouped by region, three metapopulations showed significant deviations of HWE (Central-West population, South population and Southeast population). This indicates that populations are isolated one from another and kdr occurrence seems to be an independent effect probably reflecting the insecticide strategy used by each ranch. Although resistance to pyrethroids is disseminated throughout Brazil, only 48 percent of resistant populations had kdr flies, and the frequency of kdr individuals in each of these resistant populations was quite low. But this study shows that, with the apparent exception of the Northeast region, the kdr mechanism associated with pyrethroid resistance occurs all over Brazil.

Com o objetivo de verificar a ocorrência e determinar a frequência da mutação kdr (knock down resistance) em populações de Haematobia irritans (mosca-dos-chifres) resistentes aos piretróides, foram analisados 1.804 indivíduos de 37 populações de todas as Regiões do Brasil. Com exceção da Região Nordeste, o kdr (knock down resistance gene) foi encontrado em populações de todas as regiões. A mutação não foi detectada em 87,08 por cento dos indivíduos. Entretanto, o gene foi amplificado de 12,92 por cento das moscas, das quais 11,70 por cento se mostraram heterozigotas resistentes e 1,22 por cento homozigotas resistentes. Em todas as populações verificou-se equilíbrio de acordo com a Lei de Hardy e Weinberg, exceto uma com excesso de heterozigotos. Entretanto, quando agrupamos diferentes populações numa metapopulação de acordo com a região geográfica, é possível observar um desvio nas populações Centro-Oeste, Sul e Sudeste, indicando isolamento populacional e que a ocorrência do kdr é provavelmente um efeito independente, talvez refletindo a estratégia de uso do inseticida de cada produtor. Apesar da resistência aos piretróides estar disseminada por todo o país, apenas 48 por cento das populações resistentes apresentaram o kdr, e a frequência de indivíduos kdr nas populações resistentes se mostrou bastante baixa. À exceção da Região Nordeste, o mecanismo de resistência ligado ao kdr ocorre em todo o país.

Aspectos relevantes sobre a puberdade em fêmeas / Relevant aspects about puberty in female

O aumento das frequências dos pulsos do hormônio luteinizante tem sido reportado como fator determinante no desencadeamento da puberdade. Tal fato é obtido por meio de redução do número de receptores do estradiol (E2) nas regiões anterior e médiobasal do hipotálamo, provocando redução do feedback negativo a tal hormônio. A aplicação de progesterona exógena, o aumento da taxa de crescimento e da cobertura de gordura por meio de manejo alimentar adequado, a sazonalidade, a presença do touro e a genética são fatores que podem influenciar o eixo hipotalâmico-hipofisário-gonadal, desencadeando a puberdade em novilhas.(AU)

The raise of luteinizing hormone (LH) pulses frequency had been reported as a determinant factor on the onset of puberty. Such fact is obtained trough the reduction of the number of estradiol (E2) receptors at anterior and mid-basal regions of the hypothalamus, promoting the reduction of negative feedback on LH release. Exogen progesterone administration, increase of growth and fat cover rate due to adequate feed managing, seasonality, bulls presence and genetics are factors that might influence the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis, resulting in the occurrence of the puberty on heifers.(AU)

Aspectos relevantes sobre a puberdade em fêmeas / Relevant aspects about puberty in female

O aumento das frequências dos pulsos do hormônio luteinizante tem sido reportado como fator determinante no desencadeamento da puberdade. Tal fato é obtido por meio de redução do número de receptores do estradiol (E2) nas regiões anterior e médiobasal do hipotálamo, provocando redução do feedback negativo a tal hormônio. A aplicação de progesterona exógena, o aumento da taxa de crescimento e da cobertura de gordura por meio de manejo alimentar adequado, a sazonalidade, a presença do touro e a genética são fatores que podem influenciar o eixo hipotalâmico-hipofisário-gonadal, desencadeando a puberdade em novilhas.

The raise of luteinizing hormone (LH) pulses frequency had been reported as a determinant factor on the onset of puberty. Such fact is obtained trough the reduction of the number of estradiol (E2) receptors at anterior and mid-basal regions of the hypothalamus, promoting the reduction of negative feedback on LH release. Exogen progesterone administration, increase of growth and fat cover rate due to adequate feed managing, seasonality, bull’s presence and genetics are factors that might influence the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis, resulting in the occurrence of the puberty on heifers.